Holding device

ABSTRACT

A battery exchanger that holds a mobile battery, and includes a male connector that is connected to a female connector of the mobile battery held in a slot sleeve for holding the mobile battery, and a connector unit that moves the male connector in a direction toward the female connector. The slot sleeve includes a bottom cover having a bottom part, and the male connector and the connector unit are attached to the bottom cover, and supported by the bottom cover.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a holding apparatus (holding device)that holds electric devices.

BACKGROUND ART

JP 2018-163757 A discloses a holding apparatus that holds a storagebattery.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, there is room for improvement with regard to the structure ofthe holding apparatus that holds an electric device such as a storagebattery.

The present invention has an object of providing a better holdingapparatus.

An aspect of the present invention is a holding apparatus that holds anelectric device including a first electric terminal, the holdingapparatus including: a holding portion configured to hold the electricdevice; a second electric terminal configured to be connected to thefirst electric terminal of the electric device held by the holdingportion; and a drive portion configured to move the second electricterminal in a direction toward the first electric terminal and/or movethe second electric terminal in a direction away from the first electricterminal, wherein: the holding portion is formed with a shape of abottomed tube including a bottom portion and a tubular portion; theholding portion includes a first member that includes the bottom portionand a second member that is attached to the first member and thatincludes the tubular portion which surrounds an outer periphery of theelectric device held in the holding portion; and the second electricterminal and the drive portion are attached to the first member and aresupported by the first member.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a betterholding apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an external schematic view of a battery exchanger;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the battery exchanger;

FIG. 3 is a right side view of a slot;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the slot;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the slot;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a mobile battery;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the mobile battery;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the mobile battery;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the mobile battery;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the slot;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the slot;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the slot;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the slot;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a door;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the slot;

FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of the slot;

FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the slot;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the slot;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the slot;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the slot;

FIG. 20A is a cross-sectional view of a bottom cover assembly and themobile battery;

FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view of the bottom cover assembly and themobile battery;

FIG. 20C is a cross-sectional view of the bottom cover assembly and themobile battery;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a bottom cover;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the slot;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the slot;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a holding detection switch and itssurrounding region;

FIG. 25 is a schematic view of the holding detection switch;

FIG. 26 is a planar view of the holding detection switch and itssurrounding region;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an electronic circuit board and itssurrounding region;

FIG. 28 is a planar view of a connector unit;

FIG. 29A is a schematic view of a connection detection switch and aswitch operating element;

FIG. 29B is a schematic view of the connection detection switch and theswitch operating element;

FIG. 30A is a schematic view of the connection detection switch and aswitch operating element;

FIG. 30B is a schematic view of the connection detection switch and theswitch operating element; and

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the slot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is an external schematic view of a battery exchanger 10. Thebattery exchanger 10 stores a mobile battery 12 therein in an insertableand removable manner, and is an apparatus that charges a mobile battery12. A user stores a mobile battery 12 whose SOC (State Of Charge) hasbecome low in the battery exchanger 10, and the user takes a differentmobile battery 12 that has been charged, from the battery exchanger 10.The battery exchanger 10 corresponds to a holding apparatus of thepresent invention.

The battery exchanger 10 includes eight slots 14 and one operation panel16. A mobile battery 12 is stored in the slot 14. When the user storesthe mobile battery 12 in the slot 14 and closes a door 18, the batteryexchanger 10 starts charging the mobile battery 12. An indicator 21 isprovided above the slot 14. The indicator 21 indicates the chargingstate or the like of the mobile battery 12 stored in the slot 14, bycausing a light to light up, to blink, or to turn off, by changing thecolor of the lit-up or blinking light, or the like. The operation panel16 is an apparatus that is operated by the user. The user makes apayment or the like, for example, by operating the operation panel 16.

The slot 14 opens in a front surface 10 a of the battery exchanger 10.The front surface 10 a of the battery exchanger 10 is inclined relativeto a vertical direction (direction of gravity). In a state where theuser is standing in front of and facing the front surface 10 a, thedistance between the user and the top portion of the front surface 10 ais greater than the distance between the user and the bottom portion ofthe front surface 10 a. Due to this, when the user inserts the mobilebattery 12 into the slot 14, the user can lean forward, and the mobilebattery 12 can be easily inserted into the slot 14.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the battery exchanger 10. Thebattery exchanger 10 includes a control apparatus 19 above the slots 14.The control apparatus 19 performs charging control and the like of themobile battery 12. The battery exchanger 10 includes a utility space 20below the slots 14. A cooling apparatus can be installed in the utilityspace 20, for example. The inside of the battery exchanger 10 can becooled by the cooling apparatus.

The following describes the battery exchanger 10 based on an X-axis, aY-axis, and a Z-axis defined as shown below. The direction in which themobile battery 12 is inserted into and removed from the slot 14 is theZ-axis direction, and the direction from the depth of the slot 14 towardthe insertion port 26 c is the +Z-axis direction. The +Z-axis directionis the direction in which the mobile battery 12 is removed from the slot14. A direction parallel to the width direction of the battery exchanger10 is the X-axis direction, and a direction to the right side, whenviewed from the side toward which the slot 14 opens in the front surface10 a of the battery exchanger 10, is the +X-axis direction. A directionorthogonal to the Z-axis and the X-axis is the Y-axis direction, and adirection upward is the +Y-axis direction.

In the following, a view from the +Z-axis direction is a front view, aview from the −Z-axis direction is a rear view, a view from the +Y-axisdirection is a top view, a view from the −Y-axis direction is a bottomview, a view from the +X-axis direction is a right side view, and a viewfrom the −X-axis direction is a left side view.

[Overall Configuration of the Slot]

FIG. 3 is a right side view of a slot 14. FIG. 4 is a front view of theslot 14. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the slot 14. FIG. 5 shows astate in which the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot 14. Theoverall configuration of the slot 14 will be described using FIGS. 3, 4,and 5 .

The slot 14 includes a slot sleeve 23. The slot sleeve 23 is shaped as abottomed tube, and includes a bottom portion 23 a and a tubular portion23 b. The slot sleeve 23 holds the mobile battery 12 inserted into theslot 14. The tubular portion 23 b surrounds the outer periphery of themobile battery 12 held in the slot sleeve 23. The slot sleeve 23includes a slot body 22, a slot flange 26, and a bottom cover 42. Theslot 14 corresponds to a holding portion of the present invention. Themobile battery 12 corresponds to an electric device of the presentinvention. The bottom cover 42 corresponds to a first member of thepresent invention. The slot body 22 corresponds to a second member ofthe present invention.

The tubular portion 23 b of the slot sleeve 23 is provided to the slotbody 22. The slot body 22 is formed of aluminum. The slot body 22 is atubular member that has four side surfaces and two opening portions.When the slot body 22 is viewed from the Z-axis direction, the externalshape of the slot body 22 is formed to be approximately rectangular. Theslot body 22 is not limited to being made of aluminum, and may be madeof another metal or of resin. By using aluminum for the slot body 22,the durability of the slot body 22 can be increased compared to a casewhere resin is used for the slot body 22.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , the slot flange 26 is attached to an openingportion 22 b on the +Z-axis-direction side of the slot body 22. The slotflange 26 is formed of resin. The slot flange 26 is not limited to beingmade of resin, and may be made of metal, for example. The slot flange 26includes a guide portion 26 a. As shown in FIG. 5 , the rectangularinsertion port 26 c penetrates through the guide portion 26 a in theZ-axis direction. The door 18 is provided at an end portion of the guideportion 26 a on the +Z-axis direction side. The door 18 is made ofresin. The door 18 is not limited to being made of resin, and may bemade of metal, for example.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , the bottom cover 42 is attached to anopening portion 22 c, of the slot body 22, on the −Z-axis directionside. The bottom cover 42 is made of resin. The bottom portion 23 a ofthe slot sleeve 23 is provided to the bottom cover 42. The bottom cover42 is not limited to being made of resin, and may be made of metal, forexample. The bottom cover 42 is formed with a rectangular shape, whenviewed from the Z-axis direction.

Resin is used for each of the slot flange 26, the door 18, and thebottom cover 42. Due to this, the slot flange 26, door 18, and bottomcover 42 can each be manufactured at a lower cost than in a case wheremetal is used for each of the slot flange 26, door 18, and bottom cover42.

The slot body 22 is a member that receives the majority of the weight ofthe mobile battery 12. Furthermore, the slot body 22 is larger than theslot flange 26, door 18, and bottom cover 42. Therefore, the slot body22 preferably has higher durability than the slot flange 26, door 18,and bottom cover 42.

When the mobile battery 12 is held in the slot sleeve 23, a holdingdetection switch 32 is pressed down on by the mobile battery 12, andswitches from OFF to ON. A fan 62 sends air to the inside of the slotbody 22. A connector unit 64 includes a connector 64 e that engages withthe connector 50 of the mobile battery 12.

[Configuration of the Mobile Battery]

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the mobile battery 12. FIG. 7 shows thetop surface 12 a of the mobile battery 12. FIG. 8 shows the bottomsurface 12 b of the mobile battery 12. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional viewof the mobile battery 12. The following describes the configuration ofthe mobile battery 12, using FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9 .

In the following description of the configuration of the mobile battery12, the U-axis, V-axis, and W-axis defined as shown below are used. Thelongitudinal direction of the mobile battery 12 is the W-axis direction,and the direction from the bottom surface 12 b to the top surface 12 ais the +W-axis direction. The direction along which the side surface 12c and side surface 12 d of the mobile battery 12 are lined up is theV-axis direction, and the direction from the side surface 12 c towardthe side surface 12 d is the +V-axis direction. The direction in whichthe side surface 12 e and the side surface 12 f are lined up is theU-axis direction, and the direction from the side surface 12 e towardthe side surface 12 f is the +U-axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 6 , a handle 48 is provided on the top surface 12 a ofthe mobile battery 12. The handle 48 includes a first grip portion 48 athat extends in the U-axis direction and a second grip portion 48 b thatextends in the V-axis direction. The user grips the handle 48 andinserts or removes the mobile battery 12 into or from the slot 14.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , among the side surfaces 12 c, 12 d, 12 e,and 12 f of the mobile battery 12, the side surface 12 d is a curvedsurface that protrudes outward. Among the side surfaces 12 c, 12 d, 12e, and 12 f of the mobile battery 12, the side surfaces 12 c, 12 e, and12 f are approximately flat surfaces.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the connector 50 (female connector 50) isexposed in the bottom surface 12 b of the mobile battery 12 on the−W-axis direction side. The female connector 50 corresponds to a firstelectric terminal of the present invention. The connector 50 is arrangedat a position further toward the +V-axis direction side than the center,in the V-axis direction, of the bottom surface 12 b. The connector 50 isprovided in a recessed portion 12 g of the mobile battery 12. Therecessed portion 12 g is formed to be depressed further toward the+W-axis direction side than the bottom surface 12 b. The connector 50 ispositioned further toward the +W-axis direction side than the bottomsurface 12 b. Due to this, when the mobile battery 12 is placed on aground surface or the like with the bottom surface 12 b at the bottom,contact between the connector 50 and the ground surface or the like canbe restricted. Accordingly, the connector 50 can be prevented fromgetting dirty, being damaged, or the like. Furthermore, the connector 50can be restricted from contacting a conducive body. Accordingly,unintentional discharge of the mobile battery 12 can be restricted.

[Configuration of the Slot Body]

The configuration of the slot body 22 will be described using FIG. 5 . Aslider 22 a 1 is formed on the inner surface of the lower side plate 22a of the slot body 22 on the −Y-axis direction side. The slider 22 a 1extends in the Z-axis direction. The slider 22 a 1 protrudes with aconvex shape in the +Y-axis direction from the surface of the lower sideplate 22 a. A groove extending in the Z-axis direction is formed in thesurface of each slider 22 a 1. Due to this, the contact surface areabetween the slider 22 a 1 and the mobile battery 12 being inserted intoor removed from the slot 14 in the Z-axis direction can be reduced.Therefore, friction between the mobile battery 12 and the sliders 22 a 1can be decreased.

[Configuration of the Slot Flange]

FIGS. 10, 11, 12, and 13 are each a cross-sectional view of the slot 14.FIGS. 10, 11, 12, and 13 show a connection portion where the slot body22 and the slot flange 26 connect. FIGS. 10 and 11 show the slot 14 ofthe present embodiment. FIGS. 12 and 13 show a slot 14 of a comparativeexample. FIGS. 11 and 13 show a state in which the mobile battery 12 isinserted into the slot 14. The configuration of the slot flange 26 willbe described using FIGS. 10, 11, 12, and 13 .

As shown in FIG. 10 , the slot flange 26 includes a guide portion 26 aand a flange portion 26 b. The guide portion 26 a includes the insertionport 26 c through which the mobile battery 12 is inserted. As shown inFIG. 10 , the area of the opening of the insertion port 26 c of the slotflange 26 becomes gradually larger toward the +Z-axis direction. Due tothis, when the user inserts the mobile battery 12 into the insertionport 26 c in the −Z-axis direction, the mobile battery 12 can beinserted easily into the insertion port 26 c.

As shown in FIG. 10 , the slot flange 26 is fixed to the slot body 22via a slot fixing stay 56. The flange portion 26 b of the slot flange 26and the slot fixing stay 56 are fastened to each other by a bolt 80. Theend surface of the slot body 22 at the +Z-axis direction side and theslot fixing stay 56 are fastened to each other by a bolt 82.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the end portion of the slot flange 26 onthe −Z-axis direction side is inserted into the inner periphery of theopening portion of the slot body 22 at the +Z-axis direction side. Dueto this, the slot flange 26 and the slot body 22 overlap each other inthe Z-axis direction. Therefore, the slot flange 26 can be restrictedfrom coming loose from the slot body 22.

As shown in FIG. 11 , in a state where the mobile battery 12 is placedon the guide portion 26 a of the slot flange 26, the weight of themobile battery 12 can be received not only by the bolt 80 and the bolt82, but also by the region where the slot flange 26 and the slot body 22overlap. In the comparative example shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the slotflange 26 and the slot body 22 do not overlap in the Z-axis direction.Therefore, in a state where the mobile battery 12 is placed on the guideportion 26 a of the slot flange 26, the weight of the mobile battery 12is received by only the bolt 80 and the bolt 82. In the presentembodiment, since the weight of the mobile battery 12 can be received bythe region where the slot flange 26 and the slot body 22 overlap aswell, the shear force acting on the bolt 80 and the bolt 82 can bereduced.

[Configuration of the Door]

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the door 18. The directions indicatedby the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis shown in FIG. 14 each indicate adirection in a state where the door 18 is closed. FIG. 15 is across-sectional view of the slot 14. FIG. 15 shows a state in which themobile battery 12 is inserted in the slot 14. The insertion and removaldirection of the mobile battery 12 (Z-axis direction) shown in FIG. 15is inclined relative to a horizontal direction. The posture of the slot14 shown in FIG. 15 is the same as the posture of the slot 14 inside thebattery exchanger 10. The configuration of the door 18 will be describedusing FIGS. 4, 14, and 15 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , the door 18 pivots centered on a pivoting axialline 84 extending in the Y-axis direction at the end portion of the door18 on the −X-axis direction side.

As shown in FIG. 14 , the door 18 includes a body portion 18 a and aprotruding portion 18 b. The door 18 includes ribs 18 c that extend inthe X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, on the surface of thebody portion 18 a on the −Z-axis direction side. A seal member 86 isprovided along the entire outer periphery of the ribs 18 c. A catch 88is provided on the surface of the body portion 18 a that faces in the−Z-axis direction. The catch 88 is arranged further toward the +X-axisdirection side than the center of the body portion 18 a, in the X-axisdirection. The catch 88 engages with a snatch lock (not shown in thedrawings) provided on the slot flange 26, when the door 18 is in theclosed state. The snatch lock is controlled by a control section 67,described further below, to switch between a state in which the door 18is locked and a state in which the door 18 is unlocked. The protrudingportion 18 b is provided on the surface of the body portion 18 a thatfaces in the −Z-axis direction. The protruding portion 18 b is arrangedat a center portion, in the X-axis direction, of the body portion 18 a.The protruding portion 18 b protrudes from the body portion 18 a in the−Z-axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 15 , the slot 14 inside the battery exchanger 10 ispositioned such that the end portion of the slot 14 on the +Z-axisdirection side is positioned above the end portion of the slot 14 on the−Z-axis direction side. Due to this, the Z-axis direction, which is thedirection of the insertion and removal of the mobile battery 12, isinclined by approximately 15° relative to the horizontal direction. Thebody portion 18 a of the door 18 is approximately parallel to thevertical direction.

As shown in FIG. 15 , in a state where the door 18 is closed, theprotruding portion 18 b abuts against the handle 48 of the mobilebattery 12. Due to this, the door 18 restricts the +Z-axis directionmovement of the mobile battery 12 stored in the slot 14. When the mobilebattery 12 is inserted into the slot 14 and the door 18 is closed, theconnector 64 e of the connector unit 64 described further below moves inthe +Z-axis direction, and the connector 64 e engages with the connector50 of the mobile battery 12. At this time, a pressing force in the+Z-axis direction acts on the mobile battery 12 from the connector unit64. On the other hand, the mobile battery 12 is restricted from movingin the +Z-axis direction by the protruding portion 18 b. Therefore, itis possible to prevent the connector 64 e from disengaging from or onlypartially engaging with the connector 50 of the mobile battery 12.

As shown in FIG. 15 , when the slot 14 is viewed from the −X-axisdirection side, an approximately triangular space is created between themobile battery 12 and the body portion 18 a of the door 18. Within thisapproximately triangular space, the volume of the region on the −Y-axisdirection side of the center, in the Y-axis direction, of theapproximately triangular space is less than the volume of the region onthe +Y-axis direction side of the center of the approximately triangularspace. The protruding portion 18 b is formed at a position on the−Y-axis direction side of the center, in the Y-axis direction, of thebody portion 18 a. Therefore, compared to a case where the protrudingportion 18 b is formed at a position on the +Y-axis direction side ofthe center, in the Y-axis direction, of the body portion 18 a, thevolume of the protruding portion 18 b can be reduced. Accordingly, it ispossible to realize restriction of the movement of the mobile battery 12with the protruding portion 18 b while also restricting an increase inthe volume of the door 18.

[Configuration of the Holding Detection Switch]

FIGS. 16A and 16B are cross-sectional views of the slot 14. FIGS. 16Aand 16B show the slot 14 in a state where the mobile battery 12 isinserted therein. FIGS. 16A and 16B show the structure of the holdingdetection switch 32 and the slot 14 in the vicinity thereof. Theconfiguration of the holding detection switch 32 will be described usingFIGS. 5, 16A, and 16B.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the holding detection switch 32 is arranged on the−Y-axis direction side of the center, in the Y-axis direction, of thebottom cover 42. In a state where the side surface 12 d faces in the+Y-axis direction, when the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot14, the bottom surface 12 b of the mobile battery 12 presses down on theholding detection switch 32, as shown in FIG. 16A. At this time, theholding detection switch 32 switches from OFF to ON. When the holdingdetection switch 32 switches from OFF to ON, the holding detectionswitch 32 detects that the mobile battery 12 has been held in the slotsleeve 23.

In a state where the side surface 12 d faces in the −Y-axis direction,when the mobile battery 12 is inserted into the slot 14, the holdingdetection switch 32 is inserted into the recessed portion 12 g of themobile battery 12, as shown in FIG. 16B, and the bottom surface 12 bdoes not abut against the holding detection switch 32. At this time, theholding detection switch 32 remains in the OFF state. When the holdingdetection switch 32 is OFF, the holding detection switch 32 does notdetect that the mobile battery 12 is being held in the slot sleeve 23.The holding detection switch 32 corresponds to a holding detectionportion of the present invention.

Since the recessed portion 12 g of the mobile battery 12 in which theconnector 50 is placed can be used as a structure into which the holdingdetection switch 32 is inserted, there is no need to provide the mobilebattery 12 with a separate structure into which the holding detectionswitch 32 is inserted. The structure that allows the holding detectionswitch 32 to be inserted into the mobile battery 12 can also be called astructure for avoiding contact between the mobile battery 12 and theholding detection switch 32.

[Configuration of the Bottom Cover Assembly]

FIGS. 17, 18, and 19 are each a perspective view of the slot 14. FIG. 18shows a state in which a bottom cover assembly 34 has been removed fromthe slot body 22. FIGS. 20A, 20B, and 20C are each a cross-sectionalview of the bottom cover assembly 34 and the mobile battery 12. Theconfiguration of the bottom cover assembly 34 will be described usingFIGS. 5, 17, 18, 19, 20A, 20B, and 20C.

As shown in FIGS. 17, 18, and 19 , the fan 62, the connector unit 64,and the electronic circuit board 66 are attached to the bottom portion23 a of the bottom cover 42, to form the bottom cover assembly 34.

The control section 67 and a storage section 69 are mounted on theelectronic circuit board 66. The electronic circuit board 66 with thecontrol section 67 and storage section 69 mounted thereon forms acomputer. An electronic circuit is formed on the electronic circuitboard 66, and the control section 67, the storage section 69, and manyother electronic devices and electric devices are mounted on thiselectronic circuit. The holding detection switch 32 described above isalso mounted on the electronic circuit of the electronic circuit board66. As shown in FIG. 15 , the holding detection switch 32 is attached tothe surface of the electronic circuit board 66 on the +Z-axis directionside. The holding detection switch 32 is included in the bottom coverassembly 34. The holding detection switch 32 corresponds to anelectronic device of the present invention. The fan 62, the connectorunit 64, and the electronic circuit board 66 are assembled together withthe bottom cover 42. The bottom cover 42 and the opening portion 22 c ofthe slot body 22 on the −Z-axis direction side are fastened together bybolts 68.

The control section 67 performs charging control of the mobile battery12 inserted in the slot 14. The control section 67 is realized by aprocessing circuit, for example. The processing circuit is formed by anintegrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific IntegratedCircuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), for example.Alternatively, the processing circuit may be formed by an electroniccircuit that includes a discrete device. The processing circuit may beformed by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU(Graphics Processing Unit), for example. In such a case, the processingcircuit is realized by executing a program stored in the storage section69 with the processor.

The fan 62, the connector unit 64, and the electronic circuit board 66are assembled together with the bottom cover 42, to form the bottomcover assembly 34. Therefore, when the fan 62, the connector unit 64,and the electronic circuit board 66 malfunction, the entire bottom coverassembly 34 can be replaced along with the bottom cover 42. Due to this,the time for the work of replacing malfunctioning devices can beshortened. Furthermore, since the slot body 22 that has high durabilitycompared to the bottom cover assembly 34 can be reused, the cost ofmaintaining the battery exchanger 10 can be reduced.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 , the fan 62 is attached to the bottom cover42. By driving the fan 62, air is sent to the inside of the slot body22. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 , the electronic circuit board 66 isarranged on the −X-axis direction side of the fan 62. A cable 63 isarranged between the electronic circuit board 66 and the fan 62. A cable65 is arranged between the electronic circuit board 66 and a motor 64 fof the connector unit 64. Due to this, the electronic circuit of theelectronic circuit board 66 is electrically connected to the fan 62 andthe motor 64 f. Electricity is supplied from the electronic circuitboard 66 to the fan 62 and the motor 64 f. Due to this, the fan 62 andthe motor 64 f are driven. The fan 62 and the motor 64 f correspond toelectronic devices of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 17, 18, and 19 , the connector unit 64 includes a base64 a, a connection detection switch 64 b, a disconnection detectionswitch 64 c, a connector holder 64 d, the connector 64 e, and the motor64 f.

The base 64 a is fixed to the bottom portion 23 a of the bottom cover42. The base 64 a extends in the −Z-axis direction from the surface ofthe bottom portion 23 a on the −Z-axis direction side. The base 64 a maybe formed integrally with the bottom cover 42. The base 64 a includes abody portion 64 a 1, two flange portions 64 a 2, and a switch attachmentsurface 64 a 3. The two flange portions 64 a 2 are formed integrallywith the body portion 64 a 1. One flange portion 64 a 2 is provided onthe +X-axis direction side of the body portion 64 a 1. The other flangeportion 64 a 2 is provided on the −X-axis direction side of the bodyportion 64 a 1. Each flange portion 64 a 2 is formed extending in theX-axis direction from the end portion of the body portion 64 a 1 on the+Z-axis direction side. The switch attachment surface 64 a 3 is formedintegrally with the body portion 64 a 1. The switch attachment surface64 a 3 is provided on the −X-axis direction side of the body portion 64a 1. The switch attachment surface 64 a 3 extends in the −Y-axisdirection from the end portion of the body portion 64 a 1 on the −X-axisdirection side.

The flange portion 64 a 2 of the base 64 a and the bottom cover 42 arefastened together by a bolt 70. The connection detection switch 64 b andthe disconnection detection switch 64 c are attached to the switchattachment surface 64 a 3. The connection detection switch 64 b and thedisconnection detection switch 64 c are separated from each other in theZ-axis direction. The connection detection switch 64 b is arranged onthe +Z-axis direction side and the disconnection detection switch 64 cis arranged on the −Z-axis direction side, relative to the center of theswitch attachment surface 64 a 3 in the Z-axis direction. The connectiondetection switch 64 b and the disconnection detection switch 64 c areeach connected to the electronic circuit board 66 by a wire (not shownin the drawings). The connection detection switch 64 b and thedisconnection detection switch 64 c correspond to electronic devices ofthe present invention.

The connector holder 64 d is attached to the surface of the body portion64 a 1 of the base 64 a on the +Y-axis direction side. The connectorholder 64 d includes two guide holes 64 d 1, a connector attachmentportion 64 d 2, a rack 64 d 3, and a switch operating element 64 d 4.

Each guide hole 64 d 1 is a through-hole, and is formed extending in theZ-axis direction. The two guide holes 64 d 1 are provided separated fromeach other in the X-axis direction. Two guide pins 72 are inserted intothe respective guide holes 64 d 1. The guide pins 72 are fixed to thebody portion 64 a 1 of the base 64 a. Due to this, the connector holder64 d moves in the Z-axis direction relative to the base 64 a.

The connector 64 e (male connector 64 e) is attached to the connectorattachment portion 64 d 2. The male connector 64 e corresponds to asecond electric terminal of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 15 ,the connector 64 e is arranged vertically above the holding detectionswitch 32. Due to this, exposure of the connector 64 e to liquidintruding inside the slot 14 can be restricted. The connector 64 eengages with the connector 50 of the mobile battery 12. At this time,electricity is supplied from the connector 64 e to the mobile battery12, and the mobile battery 12 is charged.

The rack 64 d 3 is arranged on the −Z-axis direction side of theconnector attachment portion 64 d 2. The rack 64 d 3 extends in theZ-axis direction. The +Y-axis direction side of the rack 64 d 3 is notexposed to the outside. As shown in FIG. 17 , the −Y-axis direction sideof the rack 64 d 3 is exposed to the outside.

The switch operating element 64 d 4 is attached to the side surface ofthe connector holder 64 d on the −X-axis direction side. The switchoperating element 64 d 4 moves in the Z-axis direction, along with theconnector holder 64 d. The switch operating element 64 d 4 extends inthe −Y-axis direction along the switch attachment surface 64 a 3 of thebase 64 a, from the connector holder 64 d. The switch operating element64 d 4 corresponds to an abutment portion of the present invention.

The motor 64 f is attached to the surface of the body portion 64 a 1 ofthe base 64 a on the −Y-axis direction side. The motor 64 f is arrangedsuch that the drive shaft thereof faces in the +Y-axis direction. Aportion of the drive shaft is arranged into the connector holder 64 d. Apinion 64 f 1 is attached to the tip of the drive shaft of the motor 64f. The pinion 64 f 1 meshes with the rack 64 d 3. Due to this, the motor64 f is mechanically connected to the connector 64 e, via the pinion 64f 1, the rack 64 d 3, and the base 64 a. The motor 64 f, the pinion 64 f1, and the rack 64 d 3 correspond to a drive portion of the presentinvention. The motor 64 f corresponds to an electric machine of thepresent invention. The pinion 64 f 1 and the rack 64 d 3 correspond to adrive force transmission mechanism of the present invention. The base 64a corresponds to an extending portion of the present invention.

The connector 64 e and the motor 64 f are attached to the bottom portion23 a of the bottom cover 42 via the base 64 a. The connector 64 e andthe motor 64 f are supported by the bottom cover 42. Due to this, theconnector 64 e, the motor 64 f, and the bottom cover 42 can be handledintegrally.

When the bottom cover 42 is viewed from the −Z-axis direction, theholding detection switch 32, the fan 62, the base 64 a, the connectiondetection switch 64 b, the disconnection detection switch 64 c, theconnector holder 64 d, the connector 64 e, the motor 64 f, the pinion 64f 1, the rack 64 d 3, and the electronic circuit board 66 are arrangedin a manner to be contained inside the outer edge of the bottom cover42. In other words, the holding detection switch 32, the fan 62, thebase 64 a, the connection detection switch 64 b, the disconnectiondetection switch 64 c, the connector holder 64 d, the connector 64 e,the motor 64 f, the pinion 64 f 1, the rack 64 d 3, and the electroniccircuit board 66 are arranged to be contained within the range of aparallel projection of the outer edge of the bottom cover 42. Theparallel projection of the outer edge of the bottom cover 42 is avirtual region obtained by projecting the outer edge of the bottom cover42 in an extension direction of the slot sleeve 23 (insertion andremoval direction of the mobile battery 12, or the Z-axis direction).Due to this, when the bottom cover 42 is attached to the slot body 22,the holding detection switch 32, the fan 62, the base 64 a, theconnection detection switch 64 b, the disconnection detection switch 64c, the connector holder 64 d, the connector 64 e, the motor 64 f, thepinion 64 f 1, the rack 64 d 3, and the electronic circuit board 66 canbe prevented from interfering with the surrounding members.

The base 64 a extends in the −Z-axis direction from the surface of thebottom portion 23 a of the bottom cover 42 on the −Z-axis directionside, and therefore many members can be attached to the base 64 a.

[Control of the Slot]

By driving the motor 64 f, the connector 64 e moves in the Z-axisdirection along with the connector holder 64 d. When the holdingdetection switch 32 has switched from OFF to ON, the holding detectionswitch 32 detects that the mobile battery 12 is held by the slot sleeve23. In this case, the motor 64 f moves the connector 64 e in the +Z-axisdirection, to bring the connector 64 e closer to the connector 50 of themobile battery 12.

When the holding detection switch 32 has switched from ON to OFF, theholding detection switch 32 detects that the mobile battery 12 has beenremoved from the slot sleeve 23. In this case, the motor 64 f moves theconnector 64 e in the −Z-axis direction, to move the connector 64 e awayfrom the connector 50 of the mobile battery 12.

When the holding detection switch 32 is OFF, the holding detectionswitch 32 does not detect that the mobile battery 12 is held by the slotsleeve 23. In this case, the motor 64 f does not move the connector 64 ein the +Z-axis direction, and so the connector 64 e does not approachthe connector 50 of the mobile battery 12.

FIG. 17 shows a state in which the connector holder 64 d is positionedon the most +Z-axis direction side. As shown in FIG. 17 , in a statewhere the connector holder 64 d is positioned on the most +Z-axisdirection side, the switch operating element 64 d 4 abuts against amovable contact piece 64 b 1 of the connection detection switch 64 b,and presses the movable contact piece 64 b 1 in the +Z-axis direction.Due to this, the connection detection switch 64 b is turned ON. Theposition of the connector 64 e at this time is a connection position.The connection detection switch 64 b detects that the connector 64 e isat the connection position, and that the connector 64 e is connected tothe connector 50 of the mobile battery 12. The connection detectionswitch 64 b corresponds to a connection detecting portion of the presentinvention.

FIG. 19 shows a state in which the connector holder 64 d is positionedon the most −Z-axis direction side. As shown in FIG. 19 , in a statewhere the connector holder 64 d is positioned on the −Z-axis directionside, the switch operating element 64 d 4 abuts against a movablecontact piece 64 c 1 of the disconnection detection switch 64 c, andpresses the movable contact piece 64 c 1 in the −Z-axis direction. Dueto this, the disconnection detection switch 64 c is turned ON. Theposition of the connector 64 e at this time is a disconnection position.The disconnection detection switch 64 c detects that the connector 64 eis at the disconnection position, and that the connector 64 e isdisconnected from the connector 50 of the mobile battery 12. Thedisconnection detection switch 64 c corresponds to a disconnectiondetecting portion of the present invention.

FIG. 20A shows a state in which the connector 64 e is positioned at thedisconnection position. When the connector 64 e is positioned at thedisconnection position, as shown in FIG. 20A, the tip of the terminal 64e 1 of the connector 64 e is positioned further toward the −Z-axisdirection side than the connector 50. At this time, the disconnectiondetection switch 64 c is ON and the connection detection switch 64 b isOFF.

FIG. 20B shows a state in which the connector 64 e has moved in the+Z-axis direction from the disconnection position. As shown in FIG. 20B,when the connector 64 e moves in the +Z-axis direction from thedisconnection position, the tip of the terminal 64 e 1 passes through aconnector insertion hole 42 b of the bottom cover 42, and is insertedinto a terminal hole 50 a of the connector 50 of the mobile battery 12.At this time, the disconnection detection switch 64 c and the connectiondetection switch 64 b are both OFF.

FIG. 20C shows a state when the connector 64 e is positioned at theconnection position. As shown in FIG. 20C, when the connector 64 e ispositioned at the connection position, connection between the connector64 e and the connector 50 of the mobile battery 12 is complete. At thistime, the disconnection detection switch 64 c is OFF and the connectiondetection switch 64 b is ON.

When the connector 64 e is moving in a direction toward the connector 50of the mobile battery 12, if the connection detection switch 64 bdetects that the connector 64 e and the connector 50 have beenconnected, the control section 67 controls the motor 64 f to stop theconnector 64 e. When the connector 64 e is moving in a direction awayfrom the connector 50 of the mobile battery 12, if the disconnectiondetection switch 64 c detects that the connector 64 e has beendisconnected from the connector 50, the control section 67 controls themotor 64 f to stop the connector 64 e.

When the holding detection switch 32 has detected that the mobilebattery 12 is held in the slot sleeve 23 and the connection detectionswitch 64 b has detected that the connector 64 e and the connector 50 ofthe mobile battery 12 are connected, the control section 67 allows usageof the mobile battery 12. Specifically, the control section 67 performscharging control of the mobile battery 12, to charge the mobile battery12.

If the holding detection switch 32 does not detect that the mobilebattery 12 is held in the slot sleeve 23, or the connection detectionswitch 64 b does not detect that the connector 64 e and the connector 50of the mobile battery 12 are connected, the control section 67 prohibitsusage of the mobile battery 12. Specifically, the control section 67does not perform charging control of the mobile battery 12, and does notcharge the mobile battery 12.

If the disconnection detection switch 64 c detects that the connector 64e has been disconnected from the connector 50 of the mobile battery 12,the control section 67 allows the mobile battery 12 to be removed fromthe slot sleeve 23. Specifically, the control section 67 unlocks thedoor 18, to realize a state in which the user can open the door 18.

If the disconnection detection switch 64 c does not detect that theconnector 64 e is disconnected from the connector 50 of the mobilebattery 12, the control section 67 prohibits removal of the mobilebattery 12 from the slot sleeve 23. Specifically, the control section 67locks the door 18 or keeps the door 18 locked, to realize a state inwhich the user cannot open the door 18.

With the connector unit 64 of the present embodiment, by driving themotor 64 f, the connector 64 e is moved from the disconnection positionto the connection position, and the connector 64 e is moved from theconnection position to the disconnection position.

In the connector unit 64, a first aspect or a second aspect describedbelow, in which the connector 64 e is moved using the elastic bias forceof a spring or the like, may be adopted. In the first aspect, theconnector 64 e is moved from the disconnection position to theconnection position by driving the motor 64 f, and the connector 64 e ismoved from the connection position to the disconnection position by theelastic bias force of the spring or the like. In the second aspect, theconnector 64 e is moved from the disconnection position to theconnection position by the elastic bias force of the spring or the like,and the connector 64 e is moved from the connection position to thedisconnection position by driving the motor 64 f.

In the connector unit 64, the connector 64 e may be moved using theforce generated when the user closes the door 18.

In the connector unit 64, the connector 64 e may be moved using theweight of the mobile battery 12.

Second Embodiment

The battery exchanger 10 of the present embodiment includes a mechanismthat discharges liquid such as rain water to the outside from the insideof the slot 14. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the bottom cover 42.FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the slot 14. FIG. 22 shows a statein which the mobile battery 12 is inserted in the slot 14.

As shown in FIG. 21 , the bottom cover 42 includes a switch hole 42 a, aconnector insertion hole 42 b, an air inflow port 42 c, and a waterdischarge path 42 d. The switch hole 42 a, the connector insertion hole42 b, the air inflow port 42 c, and the water discharge path 42 dcorrespond to communication paths of the present invention.

The holding detection switch 32 is attached in the switch hole 42 a fromthe −Z-axis direction side. A portion of the holding detection switch 32passes through the switch hole 42 a to be exposed on the +Z-axisdirection side of the bottom cover 42. When the connector 64 e has movedin the +Z-axis direction, the tip of the connector 64 e passes throughthe connector insertion hole 42 b to be exposed on the +Z-axis directionside of the bottom cover 42. The air inflow port 42 c and the waterdischarge path 42 d allow the outside and the inside of the slot 14 tocommunicate with each other.

The fan 62 is attached to the −Z-axis direction side of the air inflowport 42 c. By driving the fan 62, air is sent to the inside of the slotsleeve 23 from the air inflow port 42 c. Due to this, the flow of airbetween the outside and the inside of the slot sleeve 23 is facilitated.The fan 62 corresponds to a blowing portion of the present invention.

The water discharge path 42 d discharges liquid such as rain water tothe outside from inside the slot 14. The water discharge path 42 d isarranged further toward the −Y-axis direction side than the air inflowport 42 c and the switch hole 42 a. Due to this, as shown in FIG. 22 ,the water discharge path 42 d is arranged vertically below the fan 62and the holding detection switch 32.

The water discharge path 42 d is formed from a first water dischargepath 42 d 1 and a second water discharge path 42 d 2. As shown in FIG.22 , the portion of the bottom cover 42 that is further on the −Y-axisdirection side than the position where the holding detection switch 32is attached has a recessed shape that is recessed in the −Z-axisdirection. The portion having this recessed shape extends in the X-axisdirection, as shown in FIG. 21 . The portion having this recessed shapeforms the first water discharge path 42 d 1. An opening portion thatopens in the Y-axis direction is formed in the end portion of the firstwater discharge path 42 d 1 on the −X-axis direction side. This openingportion forms the second water discharge path 42 d 2.

A filtering member 74 is attached to the first water discharge path 42 d1. The filtering member 74 is fitted in the first water discharge path42 d 1 having a recessed shape. The filtering member 74 is attachable toand detachable from the first water discharge path 42 d 1. Two ribs 42 eare formed further on the +Y-axis direction side than the first waterdischarge path 42 d 1. A portion of the filtering member 74 sticking outfrom the first water discharge path 42 d 1 is held down in the −Y-axisdirection by these two ribs 42 e. The filtering member 74 may be aporous member such as a sponge filter, for example.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the slot 14. FIG. 23 is an enlargedview of the water discharge path 42 d and the surrounding region. FIG.23 shows a state in which the mobile battery 12 is inserted in the slot14.

As shown by the arrows in FIG. 23 , liquid that has entered inside theslot 14 from the insertion port 26 c of the slot 14 passes through thefiltering member 74 of the first water discharge path 42 d 1, and isdischarged to the outside of the slot 14 from the second water dischargepath 42 d 2. By providing the filtering member 74 in the first waterdischarge path 42 d 1, the flow of liquid is dispersed or deceleratedwhile passing through the filtering member 74. Due to this, it ispossible to avoid forceful discharge or gushing of the liquid from theslot 14.

There may be cases where solid debris such as dust, fallen leaves,paper, or the like intrudes into the slot 14 from the insertion port 26c of the slot 14. By providing the filtering member 74 in the firstwater discharge path 42 d 1, debris can be contained inside the slot 14.The debris contained inside the slot 14 can be removed along with thefiltering member 74.

Since the air inflow port 42 c and the water discharge path 42 d areformed in the bottom portion 23 a of the bottom cover 42, in a statewhere the bottom cover 42 has been removed from the slot body 22,cleaning or the like of the air inflow port 42 c and the water dischargepath 42 d can be performed.

Third Embodiment

The battery exchanger 10 of the present embodiment includes a mechanismthat restricts liquid such as rain water, solid debris such as dust, andthe like from intruding inside the holding detection switch 32.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the holding detection switch 32 andthe surrounding region. FIG. 25 is a schematic view of the holdingdetection switch 32. FIG. 25 shows a state in which the mobile battery12 is held in the slot sleeve 23. In FIG. 25 , in order to make thedrawing easy to view, a collar 32 b and a coil spring 32 e, which aredescribed further below, are omitted. FIG. 26 is a planar view of theholding detection switch 32 and the surrounding region. FIG. 26 showsthe holding detection switch 32 as seen from the +Z-axis direction. FIG.26 shows a state in which a switch rubber 32 d, described further below,has been removed. FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the electroniccircuit board 66 and the surrounding region. In FIG. 27 , in order tomake the drawing easy to view, a molding 76 is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 24 , the holding detection switch 32 includes a switchbody 32 a, the collar 32 b, a seal rubber 32 c, the switch rubber 32 d,and the coil spring 32 e.

The switch body 32 a is attached to the electronic circuit board 66. Theswitch body 32 a includes a plunger 32 a 1. By moving the plunger 32 a 1in the −Z-axis direction, the holding detection switch 32 becomes ON.

The collar 32 b is a member made of resin, and is formed with acylindrical shape. The switch body 32 a is inserted into the innercircumference of the collar 32 b.

The seal rubber 32 c includes a cylinder portion 32 c 1 and a flangeportion 32 c 2. The switch body 32 a is inserted, along with the collar32 b, into the inner circumference of the cylinder portion 32 c 1 of theseal rubber 32 c. The switch body 32 a is inserted, along with thecollar 32 b and the seal rubber 32 c, into the switch hole 42 a, fromthe −Z-axis direction. At this time, the flange portion 32 c 2 of theseal rubber 32 c is sandwiched between the electronic circuit board 66and the bottom cover 42. Due to this, liquid such as rain water andsolid debris such as dust are restricted from intruding into the holdingdetection switch 32 from the −Z-axis direction.

The switch rubber 32 d includes a protruding portion 32 d 1 at a centerthereof. The switch rubber 32 d is attached to the bottom cover 42 fromthe +Z-axis direction. The switch rubber 32 d is fixed to the bottomcover 42 together with a clasp 32 f by screws (not shown in thedrawings). The switch rubber 32 d closes the opening on the +Z-axisdirection side of the switch hole 42 a. Due to this, liquid such as rainwater and solid debris such as dust are restricted from intruding intothe holding detection switch 32 from the +Z-axis direction.

The coil spring 32 e is provided between the switch rubber 32 d and thecollar 32 b. The coil spring 32 e biases the switch rubber 32 d in the+Z-axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 25 , when the mobile battery 12 is held in the slotsleeve 23, the protruding portion 32 d 1 of the switch rubber 32 d ispressed on in the −Z-axis direction by the bottom surface 12 b of themobile battery 12. After this, the protruding portion 32 d 1 presses theplunger 32 a 1 of the switch body 32 a in the −Z-axis direction. Due tothis, the holding detection switch 32 becomes ON.

As shown in FIGS. 25 to 27 , a ventilation hole 66 a is provided in theelectronic circuit board 66. The ventilation hole 66 a is a cylindricalmember. As shown in FIG. 26 , the ventilation hole 66 a is arranged inthe inner circumference of the cylinder portion 32 c 1 of the sealrubber 32 c. As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 , the ventilation hole 66 a isarranged on the −Y-axis direction side of the switch body 32 a. As shownin FIG. 25 , the +Z-axis direction side of the ventilation hole 66 a ispositioned on the −Z-axis direction side of the center of the switchbody 32 a in the Z-axis direction. The surface of the electronic circuitboard 66 that faces in the −Z-axis direction is completely covered bythe molding 76. The −Z-axis direction side of the ventilation hole 66 ais arranged at a position protruding beyond the molding 76 toward the−Z-axis direction side.

The inside of the holding detection switch 32 is prevented from having anegative pressure, by the ventilation hole 66 a. Due to this, when themobile battery 12 is removed from the slot sleeve 23, the shape of theswitch rubber 32 d can quickly return to normal.

Furthermore, the ventilation hole 66 a is arranged on the −Y-axisdirection side of the switch body 32 a. That is, in the verticaldirection, the ventilation hole 66 a is arranged below the switch body32 a. Due to this, when liquid has intruded inside the holding detectionswitch 32 from the ventilation hole 66 a, exposure of the switch body 32a to water can be prevented.

Fourth Embodiment

The battery exchanger 10 of the present embodiment differs from thebattery exchanger 10 of the first embodiment with regard to theconfigurations of the switch operating element 64 d 4, the connectiondetection switch 64 b, and the disconnection detection switch 64 c.

FIG. 28 is a planar view of the connector unit 64. FIG. 28 shows theconnector unit 64 as seen from the −X-axis direction. As shown in FIG.28 , the switch operating element 64 d 4 includes an extending portion64 d 5 and an abutting portion 64 d 6. The extending portion 64 d 5extends in the −Y-axis direction along the switch attachment surface 64a 3 of the base 64 a, from the connector holder 64 d. The abuttingportion 64 d 6 is provided at the tip of the extending portion 64 d 5 atthe −Y-axis direction side. The abutting portion 64 d 6 extends towardboth sides in the Z-axis direction, relative to the extending portion 64d 5.

The connection detection switch 64 b includes the movable contact piece64 b 1, a plunger 64 b 2, and a switch body 64 b 3. When the switchoperating element 64 d 4 moves in the +Z-axis direction, the abuttingportion 64 d 6 of the switch operating element 64 d 4 abuts against thetip 64 b 4 of the movable contact piece 64 b 1. After this, the movablecontact piece 64 b 1 rotates centered on a fulcrum 64 b 5 of the movablecontact piece 64 b 1, to press the plunger 64 b 2. Due to this, theconnection detection switch 64 b becomes ON. As shown in FIG. 28 , whenviewed from the −X-axis direction, the connection detection switch 64 bis fixed to the switch attachment surface 64 a 3 of the base 64 a, in astate where the switch body 64 b 3 is inclined in a clockwise rotationaldirection.

The disconnection detection switch 64 c includes the movable contactpiece 64 c 1, a plunger 64 c 2, and a switch body 64 c 3. When theswitch operating element 64 d 4 moves in the −Z-axis direction, theabutting portion 64 d 6 of the switch operating element 64 d 4 abutsagainst the tip 64 c 4 of the movable contact piece 64 c 1. After this,the movable contact piece 64 c 1 rotates centered on the fulcrum 64 c 5of the movable contact piece 64 c 1, to press the plunger 64 c 2. Due tothis, the disconnection detection switch 64 c becomes ON. As shown inFIG. 28 , when viewed from the −X-axis direction, the disconnectiondetection switch 64 c is fixed to the switch attachment surface 64 a 3of the base 64 a, in a state where the switch body 64 c 3 is inclined ina counterclockwise rotational direction.

FIGS. 29A and 29B are each a schematic view of the connection detectionswitch 64 b and the switch operating element 64 d 4. FIGS. 29A and 29Beach show a state in which the switch operating element 64 d 4 isstopped at a position closer to the connection detection switch 64 bthan a prescribed position. FIG. 29A shows a comparative example inwhich the abutting portion 64 d 6 is not provided to the tip of theextending portion 64 d 5 of the switch operating element 64 d 4. FIG.29B shows the battery exchanger 10 of the present embodiment in whichthe abutting portion 64 d 6 is provided to the tip of the extendingportion 64 d 5 of the switch operating element 64 d 4.

As described above, due to the connection detection switch 64 b becomingON, the connection detection switch 64 b detects that the connector 64 eand the connector 50 of the mobile battery 12 have been connected. Whenthe connector 64 e moves in a direction toward the connector 50 of themobile battery 12, if the connection detection switch 64 b has detectedthat the connector 64 e and the connector 50 are connected, the controlsection 67 controls the motor 64 f to stop the connector 64 e.

Even when the connector 64 e is caused to be stopped, there are caseswhere the connector 64 e is moved by inertial force and the switchoperating element 64 d 4 stops at a position that is closer to theconnection detection switch 64 b than the prescribed position.

In such a case, in the comparative example shown in FIG. 29A, theextending portion 64 d 5 contacts the fulcrum 64 b 5 of the movablecontact piece 64 b 1 of the connection detection switch 64 b. Therefore,there is a concern that, for example, the fulcrum 64 b 5 will beplastically deformed, and even if the switch operating element 64 d 4moves away from the movable contact piece 64 b 1, the movable contactpiece 64 b 1 will not return to its initial position.

On the other hand, in the battery exchanger 10 of the present embodimentshown in FIG. 29B, the extending portion 64 d 5 is stopped at a positionaway from the fulcrum 64 b 5 of the movable contact piece 64 b 1.Therefore, when the switch operating element 64 d 4 moves away from themovable contact piece 64 b 1, the movable contact piece 64 b 1 canreturn to the initial position.

FIGS. 30A and 30B are each a schematic view of the connection detectionswitch 64 b and the switch operating element 64 d 4. FIGS. 30A and 30Bshow a state in which the switch operating element 64 d 4 is stopped ata position closer to the connection detection switch 64 b than theprescribed position. FIG. 30A shows a comparative example in which theconnection detection switch 64 b is fixed to the switch attachmentsurface 64 a 3 of the base 64 a without being inclined. FIG. 30B showsthe battery exchanger 10 of the present embodiment in which theconnection detection switch 64 b is fixed to the switch attachmentsurface 64 a 3 of the base 64 a at an incline.

As shown in FIG. 30B, with the battery exchanger 10 of the presentembodiment, even when the switch operating element 64 d 4 stops at aposition closer to the connection detection switch 64 b than theprescribed position, the extending portion 64 d 5 can be furtherseparated from the fulcrum 64 b 5 of the movable contact piece 64 b 1 ofthe connection detection switch 64 b, compared to the case of thecomparative example 30A. Therefore, when the switch operating element 64d 4 moves away from the movable contact piece 64 b 1, the movablecontact piece 64 b 1 can return to the initial position.

With the battery exchanger 10 of the present embodiment, the movablecontact piece 64 c 1 of the disconnection detection switch 64 c can alsoreturn to the initial position in the same manner as the movable contactpiece 64 b 1 of the connection detection switch 64 b.

Fifth Embodiment

In the battery exchanger 10 of the present embodiment, the shape of thebottom cover 42 differs from that of the battery exchanger 10 of thefirst embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the slot 14. FIG. 31 shows a state inwhich the bottom cover assembly 34 has been removed from the slot body22.

The bottom cover 42 includes one bottom surface 42 f and four sidesurfaces 42 g, 42 h, 42 j, and 42 k. The bottom surface 42 f is formedas a rectangle, when viewed from the −Z-axis direction. As shown in FIG.31 , the side surfaces 42 g, 42 h, 42 j, and 42 k each extend in the+Z-axis direction respectively from the four edges of the bottom surface42 f. The position at which the slot body 22 and the bottom cover 42 aredivided can be set as desired.

In the first to fifth embodiments described above, the slots 14 of thebattery exchanger 10 that charges the mobile battery 12 have beendescribed. However, the slots 14 of the first to fifth embodiments maybe applied to another apparatus.

In the first to fourth embodiments described above, each slot 14 is adevice that stores the mobile battery 12 serving as an electric device.However, the mobile battery 12 and a power converter may be includedinside the slot 14, and a power supply device (battery power source)capable of supplying electric power to the outside may be storedtherein. Furthermore, the slot 14 may be a device that stores some otherelectric device.

As an example, the slot 14 may be applied to a stationary power supplyapparatus installed in houses, buildings, factories, or the like.Furthermore, the slot 14 may be applied to moving bodies such asautomobiles, aircraft, or ships. In a case where the slot 14 is appliedto such a stationary power supply apparatus, such a moving body, or thelike, the mobile battery 12 inserted in the slot 14 supplies electricpower by discharging and is also charged by the stationary power supplyapparatus, moving body, or the like.

In the first to fifth embodiments described above, the slot sleeve 23covers the entire mobile battery 12 being held. However, the slot sleeve23 may be a member that covers a portion of the mobile battery 12 beingheld.

In the first to fifth embodiments described above, when the connector 64e of the connector unit 64 has moved in the +Z-axis direction, the tipof the connector 64 e passes through the connector insertion hole 42 b,to be exposed on the +Z-axis direction side of the bottom cover 42.However, the connector 64 e may be fixed in an unmovable manner to thebottom portion 23 a of the bottom cover 42. In such a case, in a statewhere the tip of the connector 64 e is inserted into the connectorinsertion hole 42 b of the bottom portion 23 a from the −Z-axisdirection side, the connector 64 e is fixed in an unmovable manner tothe bottom portion 23 a. The tip of the connector 64 e is constantlyexposed in the +Z-axis direction side of the bottom cover 42.

1. A holding apparatus that holds an electric device including a firstelectric terminal, the holding apparatus comprising: a holding portionconfigured to hold the electric device; a second electric terminalconfigured to be connected to the first electric terminal of theelectric device held by the holding portion; and a drive portionconfigured to move the second electric terminal in a direction towardthe first electric terminal and/or move the second electric terminal ina direction away from the first electric terminal, wherein: the holdingportion is formed with a shape of a bottomed tube including a bottomportion and a tubular portion; the holding portion includes: a firstmember that includes the bottom portion; and a second member that isattached to the first member and that includes the tubular portion whichsurrounds an outer periphery of the electric device held in the holdingportion; and the second electric terminal and the drive portion areattached to the first member and are supported by the first member. 2.The holding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the second electricterminal and the drive portion are arranged so as to be within a rangeof a projection of an outer edge of the first member.
 3. The holdingapparatus according to claim 2, wherein: the drive portion includes: anelectric machine configured to receive a supply of electric power andgenerate drive force; and a drive force transmission mechanismconfigured to mechanically connect the electric machine and the secondelectric terminal, and the electric machine and the drive forcetransmission mechanism are arranged so as to be within the range of theprojection of the outer edge of the first member.
 4. The holdingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the first member includes anextending portion that is provided extending from a surface of thebottom portion that is opposite to a surface thereof that faces towardthe second member; and the second electric terminal and the driveportion are attached to the extending portion.
 5. The holding apparatusaccording to claim 4, wherein: the extending portion is arranged so asto be within a range of a projection of an outer edge of the firstmember.
 6. The holding apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising: an abutment portion configured to move integrally with thesecond electric terminal; and a connection detecting portion configuredto detect that the first electric terminal and the second electricterminal are connected, based on abutting against the abutment portionwhen the first electric terminal and the second electric terminal areconnected.
 7. The holding apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: theconnection detecting portion is arranged so as to be within a range of aprojection of an outer edge of the first member.
 8. The holdingapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an abutment portionconfigured to move integrally with the second electric terminal; and adisconnection detecting portion configured to detect that the firstelectric terminal and the second electric terminal are disconnected,based on abutting against the abutment portion when the first electricterminal and the second electric terminal are disconnected.
 9. Theholding apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: the disconnectiondetecting portion is arranged so as to be within a range of a projectionof an outer edge of the first member.
 10. The holding apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein: the holding portion includes a holdingdetection portion disposed on a surface, of the holding portion, thatfaces toward a bottom surface of the electric device, the holdingdetection portion being configured to detect that the electric device isheld inside the holding portion, based on abutting against the bottomsurface; the electric device includes a recessed portion formed to berecessed in the bottom surface; the holding detection portion isarranged at a position that causes the holding detection portion to abutagainst the bottom surface when the electric device is held inside theholding portion while facing in a first direction, and also that causesthe holding detection portion to be inserted into the recessed portionwhen the electric device is held inside the holding portion while facingin a second direction that is different from the first direction; andthe holding detection portion does not abut against the bottom surfacewhen the electric device is held inside the holding portion while facingin the second direction.
 11. The holding apparatus according to claim10, wherein: the holding detection portion is arranged so as to bewithin a range of a projection of an outer edge of the first member. 12.The holding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the first memberincludes, in the bottom portion, a communication path configured toallow an inside and an outside of the holding portion to communicatewith each other.
 13. The holding apparatus according to claim 12,further comprising: a blowing portion configured to facilitate a flow ofair between the inside and the outside of the holding portion, wherein:the blowing portion is attached to a position corresponding to thecommunication path on a surface of the bottom portion that is oppositeto a surface thereof that faces toward the second member, and theblowing portion is supported by the first member.
 14. The holdingapparatus according to claim 13, wherein: the blowing portion isarranged so as to be within a range of a projection of an outer edge ofthe first member.
 15. The holding apparatus according to claim 1,further comprising: an electronic circuit that is electrically connectedto an electronic device installed in the holding portion, wherein: theelectronic circuit is attached to the first member and supported by thefirst member.
 16. The holding apparatus according to claim 15, wherein:the electronic circuit is arranged so as to be within a range of aprojection of an outer edge of the first member.